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Over the past 15 years, I've shared some of the most awesome things you can eat at the fairgrounds during the October event. Here's what you should be looking for, and where to find it.
New foods and new vendors:
Fresh, frozen watermelon smoothies - and pineapple smoothies, too. The Cavan family of Des Moines, Iowa have brought their Happi Lao stand to our food court. You'll find Laotian cuisine - noodles, fried rice, crab rangoon, egg rolls and such - at the silver trailer at the top of the hill on the south side of the fair, along with tropical fruit cups and these lovely cold, fresh fruit presentations. Get yours with just pineapple, or ask for a combination that can include fresh mango or strawberry as well.For crazy, you're going to need to try the Deep Fried Salt-Water Taffy at Pat's Kitchen in the food court. Crazy, right? There's something about the heat that makes that vanilla taffy just soften like butter. There's also the Razorback Stack - a stacked strawberry red velvet funnel cake with vanilla cream in-between, strawberry chunked topping and Oreo sandwich cookies - at the Roger Westmoreland funnel cake stand in the Food Court. This here's just a sample of the whole shebang.
Speaking of beef, the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association takes over the Midway Cafe this year, offering great beefy lunches such as all-beef hot dogs, barbecue dinners and the Steak Samich (you gotta say it that way) - a four ounce steak cooked to medium on a bun with caramelized onion, cheese and a special horseradish sauce. It comes with a side for $12.50. The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Cafe isn't usually covered in the media frenzy of the Tasty Tom's, but it's one of the most reasonably priced places to grab a bite on the fairgrounds. There's even special prices for exhibitors, which really helps all the kids who are out there showing their cows, lambs and pigs. It's also a place to grab your breakfast biscuit with gravy or choice of meat, or a full pancake spread.For the more fantastical, expect a lot to be said about L&M Concession's new Chili Cheese Sweet Dog. Larry and his crew won the 2019 Tasty Tom for Most Creative with the Bacon Cheeseburger Funnel Cake (which is back this year) and this time around introduce a contrivance similar to a corn dog, but with a sweet batter, topped with chili and cheese and sold in pairs. Also look for Larry's Mac and Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes - quite possibly the biggest carb-load you'll find on the site.
I'd be remiss in not mentioning Deep Fried Pineapple Rings - a fan favorite that's still popular today, also at L&M Concession.
I'm also looking forward to hot fresh elote and the Flamin' Hot Cheetos Walkin' Taco from Don Elote - you'll find the little yellow hut close to the main entrance to Barton Colliseum on the side road from the midway. Just sniff the wind for the scent of fresh roasted corn.
The secret find at the end of the Midway this year is from the little fried Twinkie stand... where you can get yourself a basket of cheesecake bites... or, scandalous as it is, cookie dough bites! These aren't battered, deep fried or covered in chocolate, but should be a popular chilled treat.
Millie's Fish and Shrimp is back where it was last year, on the west side of the center of the food court (not by the rabbit barn, where it's shown on fair maps), serving up righteous catfish and shrimp baskets with fries and those fantastic sweet hush puppies. Terry says he's adding crab cakes this year, and he might be inclined to do a shrimp or turkey neck boil one Saturday of the fair. That'd be amazing.
What you're going to hear about a lot is pickle pizza. It's become a meme around the nation, and this year Swaim's Pizza on a Stick has received a lot of coverage about it at the different fairs and events it's been served at where they've set up. But it's not a new food. I captured shots of this mysteriously divisive food at the 2019 Arkansas State Fair. It's salty (I mean, dill pickles ARE salty) but it's also tangy and... you're just going to have to try it. I'm also curious to try the lime fizz and the stuffed meat pies that are advertised on the outside of the Swaim's truck. There are two of them this year, one across from the Bud Light Pavilion and the other in the center fo the Food Court. Slices are $8, or if you want a whole 10" pizza, it's $15.
Wonderstick is back with two locations. I have to admit, the crazy churro-like J-shaped pastry filled with ice cream was a delightful surprise last year, and this year these folks are doubling down. Head to their stand to also try chocolate dipped bananas with nuts or sprinkles.
H2Que BBQ out on the Midway by the entrance to Barton Colliseum loves to stuff things into other things. This year they're offering this Baked Beans and Sausage Smoked Stuffed Sausage on a Bun, which is exactly what I just said. It's $12. They're also bringing another new entry, the Hot Mess, a smoked turkey leg stuffed with pulled pork, baked beans, and nacho cheese, all topped with jalapeno peppers for $35. Whoo-ee!
This year in the Arts and Crafts building, you can once again enjoy a plethora of handmade fried pies with various fillings - and new this year, Arkansas's own Post Familie wines by the glass for $5! The Arts and Crafts building is always one of my must-stops for the massive display of talents in canning, fine and applied arts and such and all the demonstrations and contests throughout the event.The Fried What! folks have another crazy food this year - Deep Fried Raspberry Zingers on a Stick! This concoction's surprisingly caramelized coconut elevates this above your standard Twinkie.
Do note - this year, the Arkansas State Fair is serviced by Pepsi products. Several Pepsi stands will be located around the fairgrounds with the soda company's products and energy drinks in bottles, and vendors will have Pepsi on tap. You'll still be able to find your fresh-squeezed lemonade and Arkansas State Fair Fruit Punch available as well.
More to know - many vendors are charging a service fee of $1 for use of a credit or debit card, while others are showing you'll have to pay the local 11% state, local, and food tax in addition to your food total. You've always paid the tax before - it's been calculated into the cost of your items. But with credit card folks and places like Square requiring vendors to pay 3.5% + 30 cents per transaction, it's how these vendors are managing to cover the costs. Cash is always accepted.
Now for the alphabetic list of everything you'll find to eat this year at the Arkansas State Fair.
Alligator and Bait. Gator and seafood at Larry's Cajun at the south end of the Food Court for $15.
Alligator on a Stick. Cajun fare of all sorts can be found at the south end of the food court, on top of the hill in the yellow stand. That's where you can get Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick, battered and fried and hot in a paper basket for $16.
Alligator Swamp Dogs. I've gotta go ask Larry what these are. I suspect they're a corndog made with gator. $10 each.
Apple Pie Funnel Cake. Yep, a funnel cake topped with a thick emulsion of apples in cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Expected again at the Roger Westmoreland Concession in the Food Court for $10.
Bacon Cheeseburger Funnel Cake. An excellent combination of prime grilled burger, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and bacon between two funnel cakes, found at L&M Concession in the Food Court for $13.
Bacon Cheese Fries. The big stand across from the Big Show Diner has these for $12.
Baked Potatoes. Hot and ready spuds available with your fillings of choice - including bacon, cheese, or even macaroni and cheese. Find them at L&M Concessions - the stand with the pickup truck grill near the heart of the Food Court.
Barbecue Beef Sandwiches. You can find them at the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Cafe at the end of the Midway, or at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $10.
Barbecue Krazy Fryz. Thick barbecue sauce and meat atop Krazy Fryz and cheese, for $12 at All-American Cafe in the Food Court.
Barbecue Nachos. Get a plateful at Bud and Burgers by the FFA Building for $8. Or go for a basketful with pulled pork, nacho cheese and barbecue sauce at H2Que BBQ near the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $10.
Barbecue Pork Sandwiches. H2Que offers these near the entrance to Barton Coliseum off the Midway for $10. Find one at Gold's Concession near Gate 5 for $12, or get one at Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway for $14.
Bavarian Cream Funnel Cake Bavarian cream and a touch of chocolate syrup on board a funnel cake, available at the Roger Westmoreland Concession at the center of the Food Court for $10.
Beans and Cornbread. One of the many offerings at Boss Hog's by Gate 5.
Beef Burrito. $7 at the Big Show Diner. Or go get a massive burrito at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court for $15 with your choice of beef, chicken, pastor or pork.
Beef Kebabs. Mickey's Grill has flame-roasted beef kebabs $12 each, in the center of the Food Court,
Beignets. The New Orleans pastry delight with plenty of powdered sugar. $8 at Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick.
NEW! Big John Sandwich. A sirloin tip sandwich with onions, peppers and mushrooms at a bun at Bryan's Sirloin Tips near Gate 5 for $12.
Biscuits and Gravy. Get yours for breakfast at the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Cafe for $4.75.
Boudin. Get yours at Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick at the south end of the Food Court (top of the hill) for $8.
Boudin Balls. Balls of delectable boudin, offered at Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick for $8.
Boudin Bites. Millie's Fish-N-Shrimp near the Food Court has them for $8.
Boudin Eggrolls. $8 for a cabbage-and-boudin order of eggrolls at Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick.
Breakfast. The Midway Cafe has lots of breakfast options between 6am and 10am. The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association has you covered with biscuits and gravy; sausage, bacon or steak biscuit sandwiches with or without egg or cheese; or a full pancake breakfast for $12 with scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuit with or without gravy and choice of breakfast meat.
Bucket of Hand-Cut Fries. You'll find these at the two hot fry trailers in the Midway, with or without nacho cheese sauce or ketchup, for $10.
Burgers. The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Cafe has burgers for $7.75. Bud and Burgers by the FFA barn and the Bud Light Pavilion down from the Hall of Industry has burgers for $8, a dollar more with cheese. Half pound burgers can be found at Boss Hog's by Gate 5 and at the south end of the Midway for $12. And L and M Concessio has them for $8.
Burritos. Get fresh, hand-rolled burritos with your choice of filling at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court for $15.
Candy Apples. A longtime old-school fair favorite. Get the classic red sugar coated version at the Candy Man trailers up the hill at the south end of the Midway or outside the Hall of Industry for $4, at one of the stands in the Food Court or at the southwest corner of the Hall of Industry.
Caramel Corn. Get it by the bag at Mr. Keith's Kettle Corn near the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $7/$9/$11.
NEW! Caramel Corn Crunch. This Wonderstick delight is a combination of caramel, popcorn and ice cream served up in a bowl or cone for $8. Find it across from Gate 5.
Catfish. Millie's Fish and Shrimp will hook you up with some glorious cornmeal-battered catfish fillets, fries and hush puppies on the east side of the Food Court for $12.
Cheese Dip and Chips. Arkansas-style cheese dip served with tortilla chips for $7 at the Big Show Diner. $6.50 at the Bud Light Pavilion with white cheese dip.
Cheeseburgers. Bud and Burgers by the FFA Building has them for $9. Or get a Black Angus half pound cheeseburger for $12 at the All-American Cafe in the Food Court.
NEW! Cheesecake Bites: Find them at the Cotton Candy stand at the south end of the Midway.
Cheese on a Stick. Battered and fried like a corndog, available at the Roger Westmoreland concession across from the Big Show Diner for $7. American cheese on a stick can be found at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand across from the Big Show Diner on the Midway for $6.
Cherry Limeade. Get a big cup at the Gyro trailer by the FFA building. You can also get it at both Swaim's Pizza on a Stick stands for $8 ($4 refills).
Chicken and Waffle Bites. Crispy sweet-battered chicken chunks fried and covered in maple syrup, these tasty bites are offered at Pat's Kitchen in the food court.
Chicken Basket. Boneless fried chicken and fries in a basket, at Winkle Concessions near the Big Show Diner.
NEW! Chicken fried noodles. An irresistible bowl of fried noodles with chicken for $10. With egg roll and crab rangoon for $12. It's at Happi Lao on the south end of the food court.
Chicken-in-Pita. Herb roasted chicken (rosemary, garlic or Cajun) and your vegetables of choice served in a pita at Paizi's Gyros for $13.
Chicken Kebabs. Mickey's Grill has flame-roasted chicken kebabs $12 each in the center of the Food Court.
Chicken-on-a-Stick. Get yours at Boss Hog's by Gate 5 for $12or at the end of the Midway for $13.
Chicken Strips. Three for $7.50 at the Big Show Diner or $13 with fries at L and M Concession.
Chicken Tender Sandwich. $7.50 at the Big Show Diner or $8.50 at Bud and Burgers.
Chicken Teriyaki Plate. Boki European Food Truck near Gate 5 is offering its Healthy Platter of chicken teriyaki, fresh vegetables and rice for $14.
NEW! Chicken Wing on a Stick. At Happi Lao, you can get this for $5 - or two for $9.
NEW! Chili Cheese Sweet Dog. This new creation by L&M Concessions combines a funnel-cake sweet-on-a-stick with chili and cheese for $13.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Exactly that, for $7, at Granny's Cheesecake and More in front of the Bumper Cars.
Chocolate Dipped Bananas. A refreshing fruit covered in chocolate and, if you so choose, dipped in nuts or sprinkles. Find it at Wonderstick near Gate 5 for $5.
Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake. Wonderstick across from Gate 5 has cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate for $8.
Coffee. Cheapest place at the fair for coffee is the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Cafe at the south end of the Midway, where it's $.75. Served black or with creamer and sweetener at the Big Show Diner for $3.
Cookie Dough Bites. Yes, just balls of cookie dough, straight from the cooler. You know you want them. Find them at the south end of the Midway in the Cotton Candy trailer.
Cookies. Large cookies are $2 each at the Big Show Diner.
Corn Dogs. Two-foot long corndogs for $9 can be found at McKinney's Concessions across from Gold's Boss Hog, right down from Gate 5 and at the end of the Midway. You can also find normal sized, hand-dipped corn dogs at the corn dog stand across from Larry's in the Food Court (next to Ormic's Taco King). And Roger Westmoreland Concessions in the Food Court has the jumbo sized ones for $9.
Corn-on-the-Cob. Hot, roasted in its own husk corn-on-the-cob, available with sprinkle-on spices and such, can be found at L&M Concessions. Look for the old pickup truck being used as a grill.
Cotton Candy. There will be places all over the Midway with bags of cotton candy. If you're looking for a vendor closer to home, check out the Candy Man concession trailers - they're white with red paint, and they're located at the southwest end of the Hall of Industry and just up the hill towards the FFA Building on the south end of the Midway They sell a take-home bag for $7 and a super jumbo bag for $9.
Cowboy Burger. Swiss cheese, bacon, onion rings and barbecue sauce on a half pound Black Angus beef patty makes for one saucy burger! Get yours at the All-American Cafe in the Food Court.
NEW! Crab Cakes. Hot and delicious, they're one of the new offerings from Millie's Fish and Shrimp on the west side of the Food Court this year. with fries for $12
NEW! Crab Wontons. Happy Lao at the south end of the Food Court is handmaking these marvelous crab wontons and serving them with a sweet sauce and I am so here for it! Some of the best I have ever had. Three for $5.
NEW! Cream Ice. Millie's Fish-N-Shrimp is offering Johnny Freeze Cream Ice in a variety of flavors, including blue raspberry, wedding cake, cotton candy, snow cream, strawberry lemonade, arctic blast, tutti frutti, sour apple, banana and tiger blood.
Curly Fries. Get a big plateful at the Curly Fry stand at the intersection of the Midway and the Barton Colliseum entrance road.
Daily Lunch Specials. The Big Show Diner will once again have hot meals with an entree, two sides and a roll for $12.50. Special changes daily.
Deep Fried Caramel Apples. Pat's Kitchen batters and deep fries caramel apples, then dusts them with sugar and drizzles over caramel sauce for this delight. It's the 2021 winner of the Tasty Toms for Most Creative, and really good.
Deep Fried Cheesecake. One of the most perfect dishes becomes fair fare when dipped in batter and deep fried. Fried What offers it at its stand opposite Gate 5 for $8. Granny's Kitchen will also have it on the Midway for $9.
Deep Fried Key Lime Pie. Find it for $8 at Fried What? near Gate 5.
Deep Fried Oreos. Fried What! returns to the Arkansas State Fair this year, and has this now-classic fair food favorite. $5 at the Cotton Candy stand near the Swine Barn, and $8 for six near Gate 5.
Deep Fried Pecan Pie. Just $8 at Fried What? near Gate 5.
Deep Fried Pineapple Rings. L&M Concession's stand between the cotton candy place and the stand with the pickup grill has these sweet-tart battered delights for $10, drizzled with a little powdered sugar and coconut cream.
Deep Fried Raspberry Zinger. The moist spongy confection, battered and deep fried, available at Fried What! by Gate 5 for $6.
NEW! Deep Fried Salt-Water Taffy. One of the craziest new fair foods this year, Pat's Kitchen takes and batters bits of vanilla taffy and batters it. The deep-frying action softens that taffy like butter. Share with friends!
Deep Fried Twinkies. You can find these sweet treats at Fried What! opposite Gate 5.
Dippin' Dots. The Ice Cream of the Future since the 1980s. Find the stand across from Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court.
Divinity. The classic Southern candy is at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $4,
Dough-E-Os. Cookie batter wrapped, deep fried Oreo cookies, available at Fried What? near Gate 5, three for $8.
Eggrolls. Excellent handmade Laotian pork eggrolls can be found at Happi Lao! at the south end of the food court, three for $5.
Elephant Ears. Big, flat cinnamon sugar dusted pastry that can be loaded with other toppings.
NEW! Elote. Get a tasty cup of corn with cream, chili powder, cheese and lime at Don Elote's near the entrance to Barton Colliseum off the Midway.
NEW! Elote Entero. Corn on the cob, covered in cheese and chili powder. A great walking delight. $6 at Don Elote.
NEW! Flaming Hot Cheetos Walking Taco. Don Elote's tiny yellow stand near the entrance to Barton Colliseum is offering these bags of hot, spicy Cheetos with meat, cheese and jalapenos.
Footlong Flaming Corn Dog. An all-beef weiner, dipped in corn dog batter and rolled in Flamin' Hot Cheetoes, deep fried and served up hot (both in temperature and flavor). Find it at the corn dog concession on the west side of the Midway.
Fudge. So many flavors, with and without nuts, available at Ozark Candy and Nuts just in side the door of the Hall of Industry, for $5 each.
Freeze Dried Candy. Nana's Freeze-Dried Candy is locally made in Bismarck and available at the Arts and Crafts Building for $10 for a large bag of big "pearls."
French Fries. Get hand-cut fries for $6 or $8, or a bucket for $10, at either of the hot fry trucks on the Midway.
Fried Brownies. Two served with ice cream for $8 at Fried What? near Gate 5.
Fried Cheese Sticks. Theresa's Kitchen serves a basketful with marinara sauce for $7.
Fried Fish. Welcome Millie's Fish-N-Shrimp to the Arkansas State Fair! Fried catfish is excellent. The plate comes with battered fries and jalapeno hush puppies for $12 - $15 with shrimp, too.
Fried Food Sampler. The funnel cake stand up the hill from the south end of the Midway is offering a sampler of two fried Oreos, two fried cookie dough balls, and two fried mini Snicker Bars for $9. perfect if you want to sample a little bit of everything.
Fried Green Tomatoes. Find a version of the dish at Fried What! opposite Gate 5 for $8, served with ranch dressing.
Fried Ice Cream. These orbs of vanilla are battered and deep fried and melt quick - but they're tasty! Fried What! has it opposite Gate 5 for $11.
Fried Lasagna. The 2019 Best Tasting winner at the Tasty Toms, Theresa's Italian Kitchen fries up these slices of cheese lasagna roll, basted in garlic butter and topped with marinara and Parmesan cheese for $12.
Fried Pickles. Bernell Austin probably never guessed his lunchtime creation would become an Arkansas State Fair staple. A version of the dish is available at Fried What! for 8, with ranch dressing.
Fried Pies. Huge handmade handpies, with various fillings, available inside the Arts & Crafts Building. $4 each or 3 for $10.
NEW! Fried Rice. Happi Lao on the south end of the Food Court can hook you up with fresh fried rice with chicken for $10. Add an eggroll and a crab rangoon for $2 more.
Fried Shrimp. Easy to eat, tasty too, find yours at Millie's Fish-N-Shrimp in the Food Court for $12.
Fried S'more. The campfire treat of graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate, battered and deep fried for $8 at Fried What? near Gate 5.
Fried Oreos. Get yours for $5 at the Cotton Candy stand at the south end of the Midway.
Fried Snickers. The Cotton Candy stand at the south end of the Midway has them for $5. Or you can get one for $6 at Fried What? near Gate 5.
Fried Twinkies. The classic crazy fair food, get yours at the Cotton Candy stand at the south end of the Midway for $5, or $6 at the Fried What? stand near Gate 5.
Frosted Flake Chicken. L&M Concession takes fried chicken to a new level with a breading batter of sugar-glazed corn flakes. In the Food Court.
Frozen Pineapple Smoothie. A fresh, sweet treat of exactly that - a cup of pineapple frozen smoothie, at Happi Lao on the south end of the food court for $9 in a cup or $12 in a hollowed out pineapple!
Frozen Watermelon Smoothie. Get a cool treat with frosty eats like this cup of chunks of cold, fresh watermelon at Happi Lao at the top of the hill in the food court for $12. You can also have yours with mango, strawberry, pineapple, honeydew or cantaloupe. The non-watermelon-cup version is $9.
Fruit Breads. Find these Dunaway Farms fresh fruit breads for sale in the Arts and Crafts Building.
Fruit Punch. You can get it at any Lipton Iced Tea Box for $4, $6 (with a $3 refill) or a bucketful for $15 ($8 refill). Or go for the original Arkansas State Fair version at the Big Show Diner.
Funnel Cakes. Roger Westmoreland Concession has a huge funnel cake truck at the center of the Food Court for $10. Get yours topped with apple pie filling, strawberries, chocolate, cinnamon and sugar and so much more for $1 a topping.
Greek Rice Bowl. A hot bowl of seasoned rice with your choice of gyro or chicken, topped with Greek vegetables. Satisfying! Find it at Paizi's Greek Foods in the Food Court.
Greek Salad. Eat healthy at the fair! A fresh salad of lettuce, olives, tomatoes, onions, Feta cheese and cucumbers awaits you at Paizi's Gyros.
Gumbo. Larry's Gator on a Stick at the south end of the Food Court will hook you up for $8!
Gyros. The original Greek handheld delicacy, as it's been served for decades by the Paizi Family. Get yours at Paizi's Gyros at the center of the Food Court made from lamb at $13 each or have one with shrimp or Black Angus for $14. Do one with chicken or beef and make it My Big Fat Gyro with extra everything for $16/
There are also gyros at the gyro cart down by Bennett Concession at the end of the Midway. There, you can pick up a beef, chicken or lamb gyro for $10.
Gyro Fries. Fries topped with gyro meat and Feta cheese - at the Gyro stand near the end of the Midway for $12.
Gyro Salad. A Paizi's Gyro classic! Find it in the Food Court.
Gyro Tacos. The gyro trailer near the end of the Midway offers this as a selection.
Honeycomb. Get chunks of fresh honeycomb at the Carts and Crafts Building.
NEW! Honey Gold Smoked Turkey Legs. H2Que BBQ is pulling out a definite winner - a smoked turkey leg with honey gold barbecue sauce. I will be waiting in line for this one!
Horchata. The delightful and refreshing Mexican beverage is $5 for a regular cup or $8 a large at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court.
Hot Dogs. Simple yet still a fair staple. Get yours at the Bud Light Pavillion for $6 - with cheese for 50 cents more. Or get a Kids Basket with hot dog and fries at the All-American Cafe for $12.
NEW! "Hot Mess" Smoked Pulled Pork Stuffed Turkey Legs. H2Que adds another stuffed leg - this one filled with pulled pork, baked beans, and nacho cheese sauce, topped with jalapeno slices. Mercy!
Ice Cream. As always, you can get pre-packaged ice cream treats at the Hiland Hill snack shack. And Wonderstick has soft serve ice cream, both in its Wondersticks and in cones, in vanilla, chocolate and twist. $5 for a regular cone or $7 for a waffle cone.Or you can get ice cream in the center of the Midway at $5 a cone, $6 a waffle cone or $6 a dipped cone.
Iced Tea. You'll find several Lipton Iced Tea boxes around the fairgrounds, in the Food Court, at the end of the Midway, in the Midway for $4, $6 (with a $3 refill) or a bucketful for $15 ($8 refill). You can also get fresh iced tea at the Roger Westmoreland concession in the Food Court, $5 for regular and $8 for large.
Indian Fry Bread. Pat's Kitchen offers its fry bread with just cinnamon and sugar... simple, pliant, and just wonderful. They also can be topped with strawberries and cream.
Indian Fry Bread Tacos. Certainly the largest tacos you can find at the fair. These huge rounds are topped with spiced ground beef and all the fixings for a filling and tasty dinner. Find them at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court.
Italian Sausage. You know, the big round chevelatte style loops of meat you see roasting for hours on a flat grill? Boss Hog's near the end of the Midway has them for $12. Or get a Sweet Italian on a stick for $12 at Theresa's Kitchen in the Food Court. They're also $12 at Sweet T's Sub Shop on the north side of the Food Court (the place with the giant skillet)
Jambalaya. Larry's Gator-on-a-Stick sells the popular Louisiana rice and sausage specialty by the cup.
Kettle Corn. It's not hard to find pre-made kettle corn on the fairgrounds - but for fresh-made bags, head to Michener Kettle Corn in the red and white trailer by the entrance to the Hall of Industry, $6 for a small or $10 for a large. You can also get a bag at Mr. Keith's Gourmet Kettle Corn near the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $5/$8/10.
Koolickles. Kool-Aid soaked dill pickles. What more can you say? Find them at Gold's Skillet - yes, the one with the four foot wide skillet over the flames - at the northwest corner of the Food Court.
Krazy Fryz. Fresh cut potatoes deep fried to a point somewhere between a French fry and a potato chip. You can get them plain or topped with a number of any item at the All-American stand in the Food Court for $10 - or with cheese, bacon and ranch; or cheese and pulled pork, for $12.
Lemonade. Roger Westmoreland Concessions in the center of the Food Court (the funnel cake stand) offers it for $8. Get a big pack for $15 at the new healthy food truck.
NEW! Lime Fizz. An icy limeade, available at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick.
Loaded Baked Potato. Bryan's Sirloin Tips across from Gate 5 offers a super-sized baked potato stuffed with cheese, sour cream and bacon for $8.
Loaded Krazy Fryz. Find these at the Krazy Fryz stand in the Food Court topped with ranch, nacho cheese, and bacon for $10.
NEW! Mac and Cheese Stuffed Baked Potato. L&M Concession in the food court has big spuds packed with creamy macaroni and cheese for the carby-est creation you'll find at this year's fair.
Margarita on the Rocks. Center Stage Grill/Bud Light Pavilion has them for $10.
Meatball on a Stick. Happi Lao offers them for $8 each.
NEW! Meat the Mac. H2Que BBQ near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has a crazy cup with layers of baked beans, mac and cheese, pulled pork, crushed Funyuns and BBQ sauce for $10.
Milk. Cheapest treat at the fair! Get a half pint of chocolate or vanilla milk for 50 cents at the Hiland shed near the Food Court.
Milkshakes. Available at the Ice Cream stand in the middle of the Midway for $8.
Mushrooms. Get a basket full of fresh sauteed mushrooms at Bryan's Sirloin Tips near Gate 5 for just $6.
Mustard Greens. Great when it's cold! Get some of Cheryl's finest along with some hot water cornbread at Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Nachos. Get a paper boat full or a bucket full at McKinney Concessions at the end of the Midway for $8 - or a bucketful for $10. Or head to Ormic's Taco King and get cheese nachos for $6, beef nachos for $10 or a plate of nachos supreme for $15. H2Que BBQ also has them for $5.
Nacho Cheese Filled Sticks. A corn dog batter but instead of a hot dog, it's filled with nacho cheese. Find it at Roger Westmoreland Concession in the Food Court for $8.
Nuts. Ozark Candies and Nuts has so many varieties to enjoy by the coneful, from roasted almonds and pecans to mixed nuts and cashews, for $10 a cone, two for $18 or three for $25, just to the left inside the main entrance to the Hall of Industry.
Orange Shake-Ups. The Jumbo Corn Dog stand across from the Big Show Diner on the Midway has them for $8.
Oreo Sundae Funnel Cake. The Funnel Cake concession just south of the intersection by the Big Show Diner offers all sorts of soft-serve topped funnel cakes with toppings of choice, like Reeces Pieces and strawberries. This colossal dish is a whole funnel cake topped with soft serve ice cream, Oreo cookie crumbles and chocolate sauce. Share with a friend!
Pecan Logs. This decades old classic is available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $4, or a large version on a stick for $9.
Pecan Pie. Fried What! has your pecan pie hookup over by Gate 5.
Philly Bowl. Thin sliced steak, cheese, peppers and onions served at Boss Hog's for $15.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. $8 at the Bud Light Pavilion/Center Stage Grill. Or $14 at Boss Hog's near the south end of the Midway. You can also get one at Sweet T's Family Sub Shop on the north side of the Food Court for $14.
Pickle on a Stick. Find it for $5 at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand across from the Big Show Diner on the Midway.
NOT NEW BUT COOL! Pickle Pizza. Swain's Pizza on a Stick has a powerfully popular pickle pizza, posing a perfectly positive question for those particular about their pizza - is it a good thing or an abomination? You choose! $10 for a hefty slice, or $15 for a 10" pie.
Pies by the Slice,. Get yours at the Big Show Diner for $6.
Pig Skins. Michener Kettle Corn has bags of fresh fried pig skins, just southwest of the main entrance to the Hall of Industry.
Pineapple Smoothie. A pineapple cup made from a pineapple! Happy Lao is offering this tropical fruit cup with your choice of pineapple smoothie. Get it with just pineapple or combine it with strawberry (as seen here), mango, cantaloupe, honeydew or even watermelon for $12. In a regular cup, it's $9.
Pineapple Whip. Pineapple and vanilla soft serve makes for a tasty, delicious treat. Find yours at t the Pineapple Whip stand at the south end of the Midwa, $4 small and $6 large.
Pizza. Swain's Pizza on a Stick in the Food Court (two locations - at the center and across from the Center Stage Grill) has pizza with pepperoni, sausage, supreme, cheese, pickle, and even scorpions. That's right - the original purveyor of insects on pizza is back. Cheese slices are $7, pepperoni or pickle goes for $8 a slice, stuffed pizzas are $13 and 10" pizzas are $15.
Pizza on a Stick! Swain's Pizza on a Stick offers these paddle-like easy-to-eat pizza concoctions. They're $14 each.
Polish Sausage. Get a hunk with or without peppers and onions at the Philly Cheesesteak Stand on the Midway at the bottom of Hiland Hill. Find them at Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway for $12. Or pick up one in a bun at the Bud Light Pavilion for $7.50. They're $12 at Sweet T's Sub Shop on the north side of the Food Court (the place with the giant skillet).
Popcorn. Find all sorts of gourmet flavors of popcorn at Mr. Keith's Gourmet Kettle Corn by the FFA Building. Or get iot plain at the Pepsi stand next to the Bud Light Pavilion for $5. You'll also find it at the Candy Man trailers at the Hall of Industry and at the south end of the Midway for $4 small, $5 large.
Pork Chops. You'll find large ones with access to great sides like greens and beans at Gold's Concession by Gate 5. Get them on their own or as a meal with two ample sides, $14 for a small and $16 for a large. Or try Millie's Fish-N-Shrimp, where you can get a pork chop and fries for just $12.
Pork Rinds. Crispy and light, and perfect to grab before you head home. $7 a bag for plain, Cajun or barbecue. Find them at the Michener Concession All-American stand next to the Hall of Industry.
Pork Tenderloin. Bennett's Concession has them for $12 at the All American Cafe Food Trailer in the heart of the Food Court. They're ridiculously large! You can also get them at the Philly Cheesesteak trailer by the turkey leg stand at the bottom of Hiland Hill on the Midway.
Poutine. $10 or $12 for a plateful of cheese curd and gravy covered fries at either of the hot fry trucks along the Midway.
Pretzels. Swain's Pizza on a Stick has fresh, hot pretzels - plain salted, pepperoni, cheese, Cheeto-dusted, you name it, $9 for a jumbo, $10 for one that's covered in pepperoni. Also available at the Bud Light Pavilion/Center Stage Grill for $5.
Pub Burgers. Get your charbroiled pub burger or cheeseburger at the Bud Light Pavilion.
Quesadillas. Your choice of filling, pressed between two fresh tortillas. Get them at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court, $10 for cheese or $12 for beef, chicken, pastor or pork.
NEW! Razorback Stack. It's two strawberry red velvet funnel cakes with vanilla cream in-between, chunky strawberry topping and Oreo cookies. Find it at the Roger Westmoreland Concession at the heart of the Food Court. Winner of the Most Creative at this year's Tasty Tom Awards.
NEW! Red Potatoes. Sauteed fresh and hot at Bryan's Sirloin Tips near Gate 5 for just $6.
Red Velvet Funnel Cake. Enjoy the combination of red velvet cake and funnel cake at the Roger Westmoreland Concession in the Food Court for $10.
Reuben Sub. Look for Sweet T's Family Sub Shop's gigantic skillet at the northwest corner of the Food Court - you know, the one with the sausages and peppers and onions in it? They'll also serve you up a thick and meaty Reuben for $16.
Ribeye Steak. In a sandwich or on its own, get it at Boss Hog's by Gate 5. Sandwiches are $15, with mushrooms $16.
Ribs. Get yourself a rack of ribs at Gold's Concession/Boss Hog's near Gate 5 and at Boss Hog's near the south end of the Midway - half a rack is $16, full rack is $30. A four bone dinner with sides is $22.
Rice Bowl. Paizi's Gyros has a healthy bowl of Greek rice, salad vegetables, lamb or chicken and Feta cheese that's plenty for dinner - or two! - for $12.
Root Beer Float. Ice cream in root beer, the way it's intended. Wonderstick is offering regular or large options in souvenir cups, $8 regular and $10 large, at both its concession across from Gate 5 and on the west side of the Food Court.
Salad. Get a small green salad for $5 or a garden salad for $6.50 at the Big Show Diner.
Sausages. You can get a chunk of smoked sausage sauteed together with peppers and onions at Boss Hog's at the end of the Midway, or the Philly Cheesesteak concession at the base of Hiland Hill on the Midway. H2Que BBQ has smoked sausages for $10.
Shrimp on a Stick. Cajun battered and fried shrimp ready to pick up and enjoy from the folks at Boss Hog's at Gate 5 for $10.
NEW! Sirloin Sandwich. A sandwich of hot juicy sirloin tips, at Bryan's Sirloin Tips down from the Hall of Industry by Gate 5 for $12.
NEW! Sirloin Tips. Whether cooked together with mushrooms or with green peppers and onions, these tasty tips are served in a paper boat with a side like red skinned potatoes. Find them at Bryan's Sirloin Tips down from the Hall of Industry by Gate 5 for $16.
Smoked Stuffed Turkey Legs. A turkey leg. Stuffed with macaroni and cheese. Crazy? You decide for yourself. Head to H2Que BBQ on the Midway near the entrance to Barton Colliseum and get yours for $25.
Soul Food. Whether it's mustard greens, yams, beans or hot water cornbread, you'll find Cheryl's best at Boss Hog's by Gate 5.
Soup and Crackers. $7.50 at the Big Show Diner. Selection changes daily.
Spaghetti Burger. Theresa's Kitchen next to Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court has this big meatball and sauce contraption on garlic bread for $12.
Spaghetti and meatballs on a stick. Back for a third year, these are big beef meatballs with spaghetti noodles, battered, deep fried, dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with marinara. One stick makes a meal. Find them at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $12.
NEW! Spicy Rice. Find this kicked up side at H2Que BBQ down from the entrance to Barton Colliseum, right by the Midway.
Spiral Spuds. There are two hot fry trailers along the Midway - one by Barton Coliseum and the other across from the Big Show Diner. A Spiral Spud Mega Plate is $10 and, for $1 more each topping, you can add sour cream, ranch dressing, hot peppers, gravy, chili sauce, cheese or bacon bits.
NEW! Steak, Egg and Cheese Biscuits. The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association has the best place for breakfast at the Fair - opening each day at 6 a.m. to make sure all the exhibitors and working folk have a hearty meal before getting started. This cathead-sized biscuit comes with scrambled eggs, American cheese and a four ounce steak for $7.75. Excellent.
NEW! Steak Samich. Yes, this is how you should ask for it! The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association is serving up these beefy sandwiches at the Midway Cafe. It's a four ounce medium-cooked steak with cheese, caramelized onion and a horseradish sauce on a bun. Comes with one side for $12.50.
Strawberry Funnel Cake. Funnel cake with powdered sugar and strawberry topping at the Roger Westmoreland Concession in the Food Court and at the Funnel Cake stand in the Midway by the Big Show Diner for $10.
Strawberry Shortcake. Get yours at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $8.
Stuffed Pizza. Get it at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick for $13.
Sweet Chili Shrimp. A lovely snack - five fried shrimp covered in sweet chili sauce with battered fries. Find it for $10 at Millie's Fish-and-Shrimp in the Food Court for $12.
NEW! Sweet Dogs. These weiners are covered in a funnel cake batter before being deep fried - making for a truly sweet coating for a savory filling. Two to a basket at L&M Concession on the south end of the Food Court.
Tacos. Ormic's Taco King has all the traditional street tacos in the middle of the Food Court, where tacos are $4 each, $7 for two and $12 for three with a drink. Don Elote's near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has four for $11 . You can also get hard or soft tacos, three for ten dollars at the Big Show Diner. Or pick up street tacos filled al pastor, with beef, or with chicken, three for $10 at the Gyro stand near the south end of the Midway - add $4 to add fries.
Taco Salad. Pick up a big one at the Big Show Diner for $10.50.
Taffy. More than a dozen flavors available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
NEW! Takis Preparados. Crazy hot and spicy Taki snacks with cheese, corn and beans, for $8 at Don Elote.
Tamales. Don Elote near the entrance to Barton Coliseum is offering a bag of tamales for $5.
Tea. You'll find the Lipton Iced Tea Boxes at the center of the Food Court and at the south end of the Midway for $4 a small, $6 a large, or $15 for a big bucket..
Thanksgiving Tacos. One of the more unusual items at our fair, this is a Tasty Tom winner that's stuck around for good. Enjoy roasted turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce in a tortilla from the folks at Pat's Kitchen.
Turkey Legs. I always go looking for the best and cheapest places to get your turkey legs. You can find them at Gold's Concession/ Boss Hog's by Gate 5 and at the Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway, at Mickey's Grill in the middle of the Food Court, and at H2Que near the entrance to Barton Coliseum. They're $18 this year, across the board.
NEW! Veggie Meal. Potatoes, onions, peppers and mushrooms fried together in a skillet for $10 at Bryan's Sirloin Tips near Gate 5.
NEW! Watermelon Smoothie. Happy Lao has these amazing tropical fruit cups in pineapple and this, a tiny watermelon! Get your watermelon smoothie straight or add strawberry, mango or pineapple for a frosty sweet treat!
NEW! Wine. Post Familie Vineyards wines in several varieties will be available inside the Arts and Crafts Building throughout the fair, served by the glass. A great way to enjoy the art with a sip!
Wonderstick. What would happen if you filled a churro with ice cream? Probably something like these ice cream filled edible pastry tubes, which debuted at the Arkansas State Fair in 2019. Find it at the west end of the Food Court across from Pat's Kitchen, and a second stand across from Gate 5.
Kat this is a service to humanity
ReplyDeleteIf I go it'll with my vegan daughter, best vegetarian offering ?
ReplyDeleteNot the fair.
DeleteI disagree. There are a lot of of possibilities. I would suggest roasted corn and potatoes from L&M Concession, soft pretzels from Swaim's Pizza on a Stick, fresh tropical fruit smoothies from Happy Lao, the vegetable rice bowl from Paizi's Gyros (or their magnificent Greek salad), Krazy Fryz, candy apples from Ozark Candy and Nuts or the Cotton Candy stands, chocolate-covered bananas with or without nuts at Wonderstick, and of course fresh squeezed lemonade, cherry limeade and so many other beverages and frozen delights. I suspect the Healthy Foods truck that's offering the chicken teriyaki plate would be willing to skip the chicken and add extra vegetables instead, too.
DeleteThank you so much for all the info. I'm hungry now.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!!!
ReplyDeleteThis really helps when you are used to the traditional, but include prices for the turkey legs next time please. But extraordinary work! Much
ReplyDeleteTurkey legs are around $18. I include prices when I get them - and they were not available until.the fair opened.
DeleteThank you so much for putting this together every year, this is my favorite part of the fair, just reading your assessments of the newest foods.
ReplyDeleteThe pickle pizza was delicious
ReplyDeleteWhat won the tasty Tom's award this year?
ReplyDeleteRoger Westmoreland Concession for Most Creative for the Razorback Stack, and Pat's Kitchen for Tastiest.
DeleteWhat was it at Pat's that won?
Deletethank you for the list of great eats.looking forward trying sone
ReplyDeleteDid any place have margaritas?
ReplyDeleteThe Bud Light Pavilion has margaritas on the rocks.
DeleteDoes anyone else miss Randy’s Superdog?
ReplyDeleteI certainly do, as does my daughter. Until last fair, she'd had a corndog every fair from them, since birth.
DeleteWow, Kat. So much work to put all these details together, not to mention doing the tasting research! Great job, though pretty sure I just gained 40 pounds reading this and will have to go through it again to even begin to make decisions.
ReplyDelete